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The shock release of the 13-year-old's remains came after his accused murderer relinquished his hold on them in Brisbane Magistrates Court.

Brett Peter Cowan, 43, instructed his legal team he did not need them independently tested after hearing four days of scientific evidence in a committal hearing.

It is 3283 days since the Morcombe family last saw Daniel and 469 days since the first of his remains were discovered.

The Morcombes take no joy in the shock release, having endured months of to-ing and fro-ing with authorities reluctant to hand them over, but they can now say a final goodbye to the little boy ripped from them too early.

They will be able to lay him to rest on the anniversary of the day Daniel went missing nine years ago while he was waiting for a bus on the Nambour Connection Rd at Woombye on December 7, 2003.

Morcombe family lawyer Peter Boyce watched intently and took careful notes during the first four days of the hearing this week.

He said they had developed a strategy to get Daniel's remains back, after months of correspondence resulted in nothing.

"Bruce and Denise, as usual, have been very patient but they got to a point where they were starting to run out," he said.

"Unless something happened soon it was going to be full on.

"They were certainly feeling disappointed at the system, a system they put their complete trust in, but equally an understanding of the problems being encountered.

"That's the thing you have to admire about Bruce and Denise, when there's an obstacle they don't just give up or fly off the handle.

"They look at it, rationalise and work out the best option.

"The fact that it's happened so swiftly, the fact they can collect them (Friday) and the fact December 7 is fast approaching, no doubt has their heads spinning."

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Mr Boyce said it was important he and the family heard the DNA evidence because they did not have access to the brief.

He said the approach the defence took was also important but he was encouraged to see the police had done "the best they can" in compiling the brief.

"The disadvantage for us is we don't have the reports in finest detail, but it does seem that all the cautions that needed to be taken were taken and the persons who have given expert evidence were good witnesses," he said.

"We didn't leave there unhappy."

Even amid the logistical nightmare of planning a funeral, Bruce and Denise arrived at the Brisbane courthouse for another day of evidence on Friday.

Bruce said having Daniel's remains released was an "enormous relief and a huge milestone" and he had made sure there were "not too many dark thoughts" as his family realised the significance on Thursday night.

But he asked the media not to forget why they were still in Brisbane.

"All those years ago Daniel was abducted, he was murdered and that's the reason we're going through this process," he said.

"Someone did this and we need to find who is responsible."

There are many more days, and weeks, of heartbreaking and horrendous evidence to be presented - both at the committal hearing and impending trial.

To bring someone to justice is the next hurdle in a remarkable display of human strength and endurance.

Even in that, despite what they probably feel inside, they have been dedicated to a fair trial and letting the justice system play out as our society demands.

After laying their boy to rest somewhere close on the Sunshine Coast, they will take a planned and much-needed month-long break.

They will return ready for another year spreading the child safety message through the Daniel Morcombe Foundation and ready themselves for the next step in their journey - justice.

December 7, 2003: Daniel disappears while waiting for a bus under the Kiel Mountain Overpass on Nambour Connection Rd, Woombye. He was on his way to buy Christmas presents for his family.

December 2003: Police place a mannequin at the spot where Daniel was last seen, sparking a massive reaction from potential witnesses. Police reveal details of a vehicle that might be linked to the disappearance. SES join search of bushland. Police reveal grave fears for Daniel.

March 18, 2004: Daniel's parents meet with then-premier Peter Beattie, who declares a second Red Ribbon Day for a state-wide campaign aimed at protecting children.

April 2004: Bruce and Denise Morcombe launch an advertising campaign appealing for information.

May 25, 2004: Police put an extra 20 detectives on the case after receiving new leads.

June 2004: A man faces Brisbane cou

rt for sending a hoax email to extort money from the Morcombes.

November 2004: Police release three sketches of a man seen standing near Daniel on Nambour Connection Rd, generated from multiple witness accounts. Police seize a van in Brisbane.